The Scientific Rejection of Vitalism, & UBCNM: Wikipedia 2008:

here's a rather generic citation, from Wikipedia, concerning the HUGE scientific rejection of vitalism [see 001., below], while the University of Bridgeport, expressly vitalistic per their College of Naturopathic Medicine [UBCNM; see 002.a., below] claims that naturopathy is science [see 002.b., below] while "science-based" medical advocates regard naturopathy as a "pseudoscientific cult" [see 003., below]:

001. the Wikipedia article "Philosophy of Biology" [accessed 2008-10-31] states:

"vitalism is the view, rejected by mainstream biologists since the 19th century, that there is a life-force (called the 'vis viva') that has thus far been unmeasurable scientifically that gives living organisms their 'life.' Vitalists often claimed that the vis viva acts with purposes according to its pre-established 'form' (see teleology). Examples of vitalist philosophy are found in many religions. Mainstream biologists reject vitalism on the grounds that it opposes the scientific method [it's antiscientific]. The scientific method was designed as a methodology to build an extremely reliable understanding of the world, that is, a supportable, evidenced understanding. Following this epistemological view, mainstream scientists reject phenomena that have not been scientifically measured or verified, and thus reject vitalism."

Note: vitalism, of any stripe, is scientifically rejected, rejected, rejected -- and blatantly ANTISCIENTIFIC.

002. meanwhile, naturopathy claims vitalism as a basis & an overarching label of science:

002.a. UBCNM states naturopathy's essential vitalism in "Six guiding Principles: Guiding Principle #1, the Healing Power of Nature, Viz Medicatrix Naturae" currently [accessed 2008-10-31]:

"six guiding principles: guiding principle #1, the healing power of nature, viz medicatrix naturae: the body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force. The physician's role is to facilitate and augment this process."

Note: this is also in UB's 2006-2008 catalog as:

"Principles and Practice 512 [...] the philosophical foundations of naturopathic medicine,
which form the basis for therapeutic intervention [...our] vitalistic medicine [...and] Principles and Practice 522 [...our premise of] the vital force and its role [as bioagency] in the healing process [p.291]".

002.b. UBCNM labels naturopathy overall "science":

002.b1. in "College of Naturopathic Medicine", currently [accessed 2008-10-31]:

"naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care — an art, science and practice of preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions of the human mind and body [...within our] Health Science Center."

Note: this "science" label is also used by UB at "UB Spotlight: Health Science Programs" [accessed 2008-10-31]:

"the University's professionally accredited health sciences programs are housed in the Fones School of Dental Hygiene, the College of Chiropractic, the College of Naturopathic Medicine, the Acupuncture Institute, and the Nutrition Institute."

Note: UB claims that this ridiculous basis of 'science-ejected science' meets the standards of 'the professions'!!!

002.b2. in "Dean's Welcome", 2002 archive per the then UBCNM Dean:

"today's naturopathic physician serves on the front line of health care as a primary care physician, practicing scientific medicine."

Note: UBCNM currently states this as well in "Today's Naturopathic Medicine" [accessed 2008-10-31]:

"today's naturopathic physician serves on the front line of health care as a primary care physician, practicing scientific medicine."

003. Dr. Atwood has written at "Science-Based Medicine" that this 'quite absurd naturopathic medicine thing' is a "pseudoscientific cult" per "Another State Promotes the Pseudoscientific Cult that is 'Naturopathic Medicine'".